Who gets the oxygen mask first?

 

Love’s meaning is distorted when we assume it requires selflessness, prioritizing others’ well-being and happiness over our own. In the last three years, how often have you been told to act “for the greater good”? Although in the Bible it talks about extending love and care to our neighbors as we would to ourselves (Mark 12:31).

Those words are often misinterpreted as putting our neighbors, community and loved ones ahead of ourselves. The biblical verse “Love God as you love yourself” is a fundamental principle in many religions. It’s a commandment that encourages us to have a deep affection and devotion towards God, just as we would towards ourselves.

In essence, this phrase is inviting us to reflect on how we treat ourselves. Is it with kindness, care and compassion? Are we striving to meet our own needs, prioritizing our well-being and showing ourselves understanding and patience?

The moment we seek love from within, we reclaim its genuine meaning, transcending the hollow, unloving facade. By embracing self love, we unlock our capacity to truly love and uplift others.

“You can’t give what you don’t have,” a popular quote that I personally use often. If you are left suffering because you felt like you needed to sacrifice yourself for the greater good of others, where does that leave you, and are you any good for anyone now?

Prior to recognizing my self worth, I consistently prioritized others over myself, only to discover I had lost my way.

I was in the river drowning the entire time while holding everyone else above my head. Then one day I found myself looking in the mirror. I looked deep within my soul through my eyes. I stayed there. At first it was really hard because I just didn’t recognize who she was.

I came back daily. I was able to relax and stay longer. I began to smile at her. Then one day I started talking to her. We had conversations like two people who were getting to know one another. It got easier and easier until I was laughing and pinching my own cheeks.

I couldn’t believe I lived those years putting her on the back burner. How sad. I also had to grieve those missed opportunities to truly love the one person that needed me the most.

How did our societal values shift to prioritize self love last? What influenced this belief? Does it not defy conventional wisdom?

I would gauge others with this one simple question, “When the oxygen masks fall from the compartments in an airplane and the pilot says please put it on and it is you and your four children, what is your response? Who do you put the mask on first?” This might seem counter intuitive, as our natural instinct is to prioritize the well-being of others, especially those who are dependent on us. However, you can’t help others if you’re not breathing.

If you’re unconscious or struggling to breathe, you won’t be able to assist anyone else. By putting the oxygen mask on yourself first, you ensure that you’re able to breathe and maintain consciousness. This allows you to then assist others, such as your children or travel companions, who may need your help. This principle can be applied to many areas of life beyond air travel.

Taking care of your physical, emotional and mental well-being is essential before you can effectively care for others. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating well and engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Take time to examine how you treat yourself. Do you practice self-care, show yourself kindness and prioritize your well-being?

Nurturing self-love and acknowledging your worth will substantially advance your personal development, clearing your mental pathways and filling your emotional reservoir, enabling contributions from your overflow.